Mary Panton, Duchess of Ancaster

Mary Panton, Duchess of Ancaster (1725-1793), in Van Dyck style costume based on Sir Robert Walpole’s painting entitled Rubens’ Wife. At this time, Rubens’ Wife was the model for numerous costumes worn to masquerades and balls and it is likely that the Duchess is shown dressed for a ball at the Rotunda, Ranelagh Gardens, Chelsea which is shown in the background.

Painted by Thomas Hudson in 1757.

Oil on canvas.

277cm x 176cm.

Mary, the daughter of the King’s racehorse trainer, married Peregrine, 3rd Duke of Ancaster, in 1750. Appointed Mistress of the Robes to the future Queen Charlotte in 1761, Mary travelled to Mecklenburg-Strelitz to accompany Princess Charlotte to England for her marriage to King George III.